Question

A pregnant client has experienced episodes of premature labor and is concerned about her unborn child’s lung development. Which nursing response would answer the client's question about time frame when the fetus begins to produce sufficient surfactant?

Answer 1

Answer: 28 weeks

Explanation: It takes until about 4 weeks for the respiratory system of a fetus to begin to develop. However, by week 28, there is enough matured alveoli that a prematurely born baby can actually breath on its own at this time. The surfactants keep the alveoli from collapsing.